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Cargo agent salary
Average cargo agent salary
$35,411
Understanding Cargo Agent Salaries
Cargo Agents play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of shipping and logistics processes. As of October 2025, the average salary for a Cargo Agent is approximately $35,411 per year or about $17 per hour. This salary can fluctuate based on several factors, including location, employer, and years of experience.
Factors Influencing Salary
In many states, Cargo Agents can earn significantly more. For instance, states with higher demand for logistics services often offer better compensation packages. Additionally, specialized roles within the cargo sector, such as those dealing with hazardous materials, may command higher salaries. These specialized positions require additional training and certification but can lead to increased earning opportunities.
Career Growth and Opportunities
For individuals considering a career as a Cargo Agent, it's essential to stay informed about industry trends and the skills in demand. Networking within logistics circles and pursuing relevant certifications can enhance career prospects and salary potential. Job seekers should research specific employers, as some companies may offer more competitive salaries and benefits than others.
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Where can a Cargo Agent earn more?
Cargo agent salary estimates from across the web
Average cargo agent salary by state
The highest-paying states for cargo agents are California, New Mexico, and New York. The lowest average cargo agent salary states are Missouri, Nebraska, and Oregon.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for cargo agents
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansas | $37,142 | $17.86 |
| 2 | Nevada | $36,564 | $17.58 |
| 3 | Alabama | $35,800 | $17.21 |
| 4 | Michigan | $35,725 | $17.18 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $36,714 | $17.65 |
| 6 | New Mexico | $37,320 | $17.94 |
| 7 | South Carolina | $36,521 | $17.56 |
| 8 | Arizona | $34,932 | $16.79 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $35,131 | $16.89 |
| 10 | North Carolina | $37,183 | $17.88 |
| 11 | Vermont | $34,710 | $16.69 |
| 12 | Tennessee | $34,696 | $16.68 |
| 13 | Maine | $37,072 | $17.82 |
| 14 | Colorado | $36,393 | $17.50 |
| 15 | New York | $37,203 | $17.89 |
| 16 | Wyoming | $33,415 | $16.06 |
| 17 | California | $38,749 | $18.63 |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | $33,502 | $16.11 |
| 19 | Illinois | $36,359 | $17.48 |
| 20 | Florida | $35,055 | $16.85 |
| 21 | Kansas | $34,773 | $16.72 |
| 22 | New Jersey | $36,197 | $17.40 |
| 23 | Kentucky | $34,818 | $16.74 |
| 24 | West Virginia | $33,628 | $16.17 |
| 25 | Connecticut | $35,604 | $17.12 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | $33,174 | $15.95 |
| 27 | Utah | $31,492 | $15.14 |
| 28 | Iowa | $33,836 | $16.27 |
| 29 | Ohio | $30,205 | $14.52 |
| 30 | Indiana | $32,751 | $15.75 |
| 31 | Massachusetts | $33,441 | $16.08 |
| 32 | Idaho | $31,966 | $15.37 |
| 33 | Georgia | $32,811 | $15.77 |
| 34 | Mississippi | $28,977 | $13.93 |
| 35 | Texas | $31,465 | $15.13 |
| 36 | Louisiana | $29,150 | $14.01 |
| 37 | Missouri | $27,499 | $13.22 |
| 38 | Minnesota | $32,222 | $15.49 |
| 39 | Rhode Island | $28,203 | $13.56 |
| 40 | Delaware | $28,088 | $13.50 |
| 41 | Nebraska | $26,760 | $12.87 |
| 42 | North Dakota | $29,497 | $14.18 |
| 43 | Oregon | $26,285 | $12.64 |
| 44 | Washington | $30,678 | $14.75 |
| 45 | Montana | $22,755 | $10.94 |
| 46 | Virginia | $31,195 | $15.00 |
| 47 | South Dakota | $25,566 | $12.29 |
| 48 | Hawaii | $28,060 | $13.49 |
| 49 | Maryland | $28,238 | $13.58 |
| 50 | District of Columbia | $27,917 | $13.42 |
| 51 | Alaska | $19,113 | $9.19 |
Highest paying cities for cargo agents
The highest-paying cities for cargo agents are San Diego, CA, New York, NY, and Charlotte, NC.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego, CA | $39,283 | $18.89 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $37,271 | $17.92 |
| 3 | Charlotte, NC | $37,230 | $17.90 |
| 4 | Manchester, NH | $36,708 | $17.65 |
| 5 | Denver, CO | $36,375 | $17.49 |
| 6 | Chicago, IL | $36,359 | $17.48 |
| 7 | Greer, SC | $36,303 | $17.45 |
| 8 | Detroit, MI | $35,882 | $17.25 |
| 9 | Tucson, AZ | $35,374 | $17.01 |
| 10 | Miami, FL | $35,125 | $16.89 |
| 11 | Philadelphia, PA | $33,664 | $16.18 |
| 12 | Boston, MA | $33,425 | $16.07 |
| 13 | Milwaukee, WI | $33,224 | $15.97 |
| 14 | Indianapolis, IN | $32,788 | $15.76 |
| 15 | Atlanta, GA | $32,735 | $15.74 |
| 16 | Minneapolis, MN | $32,169 | $15.47 |
| 17 | Houston, TX | $31,633 | $15.21 |
| 18 | Salt Lake City, UT | $31,393 | $15.09 |
| 19 | Richmond, VA | $31,116 | $14.96 |
| 20 | Spokane, WA | $30,580 | $14.70 |
Cargo agent salary details
A cargo agent's salary ranges from $27,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $45,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a cargo agent's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $22 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| Average | $35,411 | $2,951 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
| 10th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
Highest paying cargo agent jobs
The highest paying types of cargo agents are freight broker, import/export specialist, and import specialist.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Export Coordinator | $43,070 | $3,589 | $20.71 | 8,384 |
| Air Export Coordinator | $40,207 | $3,351 | $19.33 | 9,305 |
| Export Coordinator | $43,911 | $3,659 | $21.11 | 16,847 |
| Import Coordinator | $46,843 | $3,904 | $22.52 | 16,834 |
| Customer Service And Billing | $32,444 | $2,704 | $15.60 | 205,689 |
| Freight Broker | $52,390 | $4,366 | $25.19 | 7,528 |
Top companies hiring cargo agents now:
Which companies pay cargo agents the most?
Cargo agent salaries at United Service Technologies and Worldwide Flight Services Inc are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average cargo agent salary at companies like Airport Terminal Services and Menzies Aviation are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Service Technologies | $38,264 | $18.40 |
| 2 | Worldwide Flight Services Inc | $36,238 | $17.42 |
| 3 | Airport Terminal Services | $36,105 | $17.36 |
| 4 | Menzies Aviation | $36,028 | $17.32 |
| 5 | Aerotek | $35,497 | $17.07 |
| 6 | Command Security | $35,493 | $17.06 |
| 7 | DHL | $35,415 | $17.03 |
| 8 | ManpowerGroup | $35,094 | $16.87 |
| 9 | GAT Airline Ground Support | $35,076 | $16.86 |
| 10 | JetStream Ground Services | $35,053 | $16.85 |
| 11 | Unifi Manufacturing | $35,006 | $16.83 |
| 12 | Quantem Aviation Services | $35,002 | $16.83 |
| 13 | Staffmark | $34,964 | $16.81 |
| 14 | Inland Metal | $34,933 | $16.79 |
| 15 | Swissport Holdings Inc | $34,792 | $16.73 |
| 16 | NANA | $34,653 | $16.66 |
| 17 | Global Aviation | $34,580 | $16.63 |
| 18 | Staff Management | $34,572 | $16.62 |
| 19 | Dimerco Express Group | $34,492 | $16.58 |
| 20 | AppleOne Employment Services | $34,416 | $16.55 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Cargo agent salary trends
The average cargo agent salary has risen by $4,499 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average cargo agent earned $30,912 annually, but today, they earn $35,411 a year. That works out to a 4% change in pay for cargo agents over the last decade.
Compare cargo agent salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average cargo agent salary over time
Compare cargo agent salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Cargo agent salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,400 | $17.02 | +0.1% |
| 2024 | $35,400 | $17.01 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $35,000 | $16.81 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $33,800 | $16.27 | -0.2% |
| 2021 | $33,900 | $16.30 | +0.1% |
Recently added cargo agent salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saltchuk | AAC-Cargo Agent KOA | Kailua, HI | 06/20/2025 | $41,740 |
| Delta Air Lines, Inc. | Cargo Agent (Customer Service Agent) | Chicago, IL | 06/17/2025 | $47,417 |
| Menzies Aviation | Cargo Office Agents-at + Great Benefits! | San Francisco, CA | 06/11/2025 | $47,730 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Cargo Agent-Kahului-(5K) | Kahului, HI | 05/24/2025 | $33,225 |
| I.K. Hofmann USA | Warehouse Cargo Agent | Atlanta, GA | 05/14/2025 | $36,523 |
| Alaska Airlines | Cargo Agent-Lihue-(5K) | Lihue, HI | 05/04/2025 | $33,225 |
| Saltchuk | AAC-Cargo Agent ITO | Hilo, HI | 04/19/2025 | $41,740 |
| Alaska Airlines | Cargo Agent-Kahului-(5K) | Kahului, HI | 04/06/2025 | $33,225 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Cargo Agent-Kahului-(5K) | Kahului, HI | 04/05/2025 | $33,225 |
| Menzies Aviation Careers | Cargo Screening Agent | San Francisco, CA | 04/05/2025 | $52,175 |
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